Indianapolis
Indianapolis routes every production through a Film Indy application; the general permit is free, but parks and right-of-way work carry fees.
Guidance, not legal advice
Permit
Conditional
Issuer: Film Indy (the city's film office), coordinating Indy Parks and city right-of-way permits
Cost: No fee for general b-roll filming; park commercial shoots around $200 per half day, and right-of-way permits carry application and review fees
Processing: Start at least 15 business days ahead for anything beyond simple b-roll
All productions are asked to file a Film Indy application before shooting, and proof of liability insurance is required before Film Indy releases the permit. General b-roll filming carries no fee. Commercial shoots in Indy Parks are billed (roughly $200 for a half day, $400 full day), and right-of-way closures go through city permitting with their own fees. Casual personal photography needs nothing. Verify current terms with Film Indy.
Drone / airspace
Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; local property rules add restrictions
Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority.
Street / public space
Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US
Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law.
Practical notes
- Monument Circle and the war memorial plazas are state property under the Indiana War Memorials Commission, which has its own permission process separate from the city.
- The Canal Walk is a signature spot; check whether your stretch is city or state managed before a commercial shoot.
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway is private property with its own media rules.
Sources
Keep shooting
Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side: